Identification- 20-40" (51-102 cm) A large shiny snake with smooth
scales. A light Y or V shaped marking on the back of the neck may be partly
obscured. Color variable, but ground color tan, brown, or gray with numerous
black bordered copper or red saddles down the back. Smaller saddles on
sides. Ventral surface is white and black "checkerboard pattern. Single
anal plate.
Similar Species- Young Rat Snakes and Racers
have a blotched pattern, but lack Y shaped marking and have divided anal
plates. Water Snakes have strongly keeled scales. Copperheads are very
heavy bodied, have a triangular shaped head, and elliptical pupils (round
in the Milk Snake). Also, the belly of the Copperhead is unpatterned.

Range- Found throughout our range.

Habitat- Varied. Most likely to be found in open areas or recently
disturbed woodlands. Rocky wooded hillsides with an open canopy hold high
concentrations of this species.

Reproduction- Emerges mid to late April, mates in the spring.
5-20 elliptical eggs are laid in June to July. Several females may share
a nest. This may be due to a lack of suitable nest sites. Young hatch in
August or September and measure 5-10" (12.7-25 cm) at birth. The young
may not feed before hibernation.

Eastern Milk SnakeLampropeltis t. triangulumBradford County, PA

General Characteristics-Milk Snakes are beneficial snakes. The preferred food of the adults
is rodents, which they eat in large numbers. The Eastern Milk Snake is
not an uncommon species, but are somewhat secretive. They, along with Water
Snakes, are commonly mistaken for Copperheads and killed out of fear. When
threatened Milk Snakes will flee, but if cornered they will hold their
ground and strike fearlessly. They also vibrate their tails against the
ground, creating a rattling sound. This behavior is common among harmless
snakes, and many people mistake them for rattlesnakes. Although the behavior
is not a mimic of rattlesnakes, it is a warning behavior nonetheless. Eastern
Milk Snakes are constrictors, suffocating their prey before swallowing
it. Along with rodents Milk Snakes eat birds, lizards, slugs, insects,
and other snakes.